Question

Aluminum is a group 3a metal. Which ion does Al typically form?

1) Al³⁺–
2) Al5–
3) Al³⁺
4) Al5

Answer 1

Aluminum, a group 3a metal, typically forms the +3 charged cation Al³+ which is also known as an aluminum ion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aluminum, which is a group 3a metal, typically forms the cation with a charge of 3+, represented as Al³+. When an aluminum atom becomes an ion, it loses three electrons, which results in three more positive charges than it has electrons, leading to the formation of the aluminum ion. Group 13 elements like aluminum exhibit the inert pair effect, where the valence s orbital electrons resist participation in bonding, but in aluminum's case, it loses all three valence electrons to achieve an oxidation state of 3+, as seen in compounds such as AlF3 and Al₂(SO4)3.